Leisure and Entertainment

London - Leisure and Entertainment

The extraordinary array of entertainment options is why people from all over the world visit London every year. In central London alone you can explore historic buildings, palaces, museums and galleries; mingle in pubs, bars and clubs of every description; and enjoy some of the world's best live music, theatre, opera, dance and dining.

Entertainment doesn't need to be an expensive pleasure. There are a number of places to find discount offers, and many of the museums and galleries are free.

The Londonpass (www.londonpass.com) provides free entry to over 50 attractions, even for residents. Newspapers such as the Sunday Times and Thursday's Evening Standard often promote special deals on theatre. The Time Out (www.timeout.co.uk) weekly magazine and website carry reviews and deals on entertainment all over London. And online lifestyle website www.lastminute.com offers discounts of up to 70% on a huge range of options at short notice. There is a wealth of entertainment information on www.visitlondon.com and local favourite www.londontown.co.uk. For children's entertainment, visit the excellent www.kidslovelondon.com.

Eating

Over the past decade London has transformed into what many consider to be the dining capital of the world. Along with five star dining delights, some of the best food is the traditional and modern offerings in pubs and bars, the spicy curry houses of the East End, and many Asian eateries throughout the city. For restaurant customer reviews and suggestions visit London Eats www.londoneats.com

Nightlife

Most London pubs, particularly the neighbourhood 'local', still close at 11pm. Newly introduced laws are allowing approved venues to extend their licenced hours. To find the best pubs to sip on a pint of beer visit www.fancyapint.com. London houses excellent comedy venues, bars range from serene to riotous, cheap to exorbitant, whilst no city can match the variety of the London club scene. Local entertainment ideas can be found on www.myvillage.com

Attractions

There are hundreds of attractions for adults and children open every day. The most popular London include The London Eye, Buckingham Palace, Madame Tussaud's, St Paul's Cathedral, Tower Of London, London Bridge, National Gallery, and British Museum. The Londonpass (www.londonpass.com) offers free and discounted entry to dozens of attractions and is valid for 12 months.

Theatre

Ranging from big production West End shows in the style of 'Cats' and 'Le Miserables', through sophisticated options such as The Royal Shakespeare Company, to innovative, experimental works in small theatres and pubs. Not only is production and acting exception, the performances are affordable. For details on half priced tickets, visit www.officiallondontheatre.co.uk

Music

London has a vibrant, burgeoning live music scene to please all tastes. The city is home to major orchestras, opera companies, and hosts jazz, rock, blues, and world music shows, concerts and festivals throughout the year. Venues are diverse as churches, courtyards, pubs, bars, clubs, theatres, entertainments centres and parks.

Sports

Londoners are passionate about their sports. The city hosts some of the worlds biggest sporting events including the All-England Championships at Wimbledon, international rugby at Twickenham, cricket at Lord's, horse racing at Royal Ascot, and football's FA Cup at Wembley Stadium. Weekend Premier League football at the London's club grounds is just as thrilling.

Expat clubs

There are several expatriate clubs organising social, cultural, intellectual, sporting and philanthropic activities events throughout the UK. You can find more information about international and country specific organisations on www.focus-info.org or through your country's Chamber Of Commerce in London.

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